A Current Summary of Breastfeeding Legislation in the U.S.

By Elizabeth N. Baldwin, Esq., and Kenneth A. Friedman, Esq.

JURY DUTY

Recognizing how difficult it could be for a breastfeeding mother to be called for jury duty, four states have enacted laws exempting such mothers. If you live in California, Oregon, Iowa and Idaho, look at the language of their laws to see if they might apply to you. If you are in another state, there is still much you can do. Consider looking for other exemptions that could apply to you, such as an exemption for parents at home with a child under a certain age (such as Florida, age six), or a general hardship hardship exemption. Information about the effect on your body if you cannot breastfeed or express milk may help them to understand the situation, such as leaking milk, breast infections and abscesses. This may be more convincing than focusing on how the baby will miss you! Consider getting a letter from your baby's pediatrician setting forth how important it is that you be able to breastfeed and not have long separations from your baby.

Last updated Saturday, July 29, 2006 2:33 AM by sjs.

Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:33:13 UTC 2007.